Episode 147: “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, Ch. 3-7

29 snips

Nov 8, 2022

The hosts dive deep into Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula,' exploring the proper way to read it beyond modern psychological frameworks. They discuss the dark etymology of 'Dracula' and its connection to evil. Themes of love vs. darkness shine through Jonathan's memories of Mina. The conversation also touches on the richness of intertwined literary symbols and the importance of historical context in understanding classic literature. Additionally, there's excitement about upcoming courses and webinars on literature and history.

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ADVICE

Reading Dracula

Avoid Freudian or psychoanalytic interpretations of Dracula.
Consider the historical and literary context to understand the metaphors and symbolism.

INSIGHT

Literary Meaning

Meaning in literature comes from established forms and images, not private interpretations.
Authors use existing symbolic language, drawing from nature and tradition.

INSIGHT

Forms of Nature

Writers use existing forms from nature to reveal thoughts and feelings.
Meanings are inherent in these forms, not created by the writer.

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The Weight of Glory

C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia

C.S. Lewis

The Hobbit

or There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien

Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].

A dish of orts

George MacDonald

1984

None

George Orwell

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.

Dracula

Bram Stoker

The novel tells the story of Count Dracula, a vampire who moves from Transylvania to England to spread terror and create more vampires. The story begins with Jonathan Harker, an English solicitor, who travels to Transylvania to finalize the sale of a property to Count Dracula. Upon discovering Dracula's true nature, Harker barely escapes with his life. Dracula then travels to England, where he targets Harker's fiancée, Mina, and her friend Lucy. A group of characters, including Professor Van Helsing, Dr. John Seward, and Quincey Morris, band together to hunt down and destroy Dracula. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, modernity vs. tradition, and the fears and anxieties of the Victorian era, including immigration, sexual desire, and the role of women in society.

The rhyme of the ancient mariner

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner" is a narrative poem renowned for its haunting atmosphere, supernatural elements, and allegorical depth. The poem follows an old mariner who shoots an albatross, bringing a curse upon his ship and crew. Through his arduous journey, he confronts his guilt and learns the importance of respecting all living creatures. The poem's exploration of themes like guilt, redemption, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity has resonated with readers for centuries. Its unique blend of fantasy, symbolism, and psychological insight makes it a cornerstone of Romantic literature. The poem's enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke profound emotions and spark contemplation on the human condition.

Studies in words

C.S. Lewis

C.S. Lewis's "Studies in Words" is a collection of essays that explore the history and evolution of the English language. Lewis's writing is known for its clarity, wit, and insightful analysis of language and literature. The essays delve into the etymology and meaning of various words, tracing their development through time. Lewis's unique perspective on the relationship between language and thought makes his work both informative and thought-provoking. "Studies in Words" offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of the English language and its cultural significance.

Ecclesiastical History

null

Eusebius

Eusebius of Caesarea's "Ecclesiastical History" is a foundational work in early Christian historiography. It chronicles the history of the Christian Church from its origins to the early 4th century, providing valuable insights into the development of Christian doctrine, the lives of early Christians, and the relationship between the Church and the Roman Empire. The work is structured chronologically, covering major events, theological debates, and the lives of prominent figures. Eusebius's perspective is inherently Christian, shaping his interpretation of events and his selection of sources. The "Ecclesiastical History" remains a crucial primary source for understanding the early Church and its place in the Roman world.

History of England from the fall of Wolsey to the death of Elizabeth

James Anthony Froude

James Anthony Froude's 'The History of England' offers a detailed account of English history from the fall of Cardinal Wolsey to the death of Queen Elizabeth I. Froude's work is known for its vivid prose and insightful analysis of the political and social changes that shaped England during this period. He skillfully weaves together historical events, personalities, and cultural shifts, providing a comprehensive narrative of England's transformation. The book explores the reigns of Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, highlighting their impact on the nation's religious, political, and economic landscape. Froude's writing style, often described as dramatic and engaging, makes this historical account accessible and captivating for a wide audience.

Paradise Lost

John Milton

Published in 1667, 'Paradise Lost' is an epic poem in blank verse that follows the biblical story of the Fall of Man. The poem begins in medias res, detailing the descent of Satan and his followers into Hell after their rebellion against God. It explores two main narrative arcs: one focusing on Satan's actions and the other on Adam and Eve's story in the Garden of Eden. The poem delves into themes such as free will, obedience, revenge, and pride, and it portrays the complex characters of Satan, Adam, and Eve. Milton's work is known for its rich language, classical structure, and profound theological and philosophical insights[1][3][5].

Hallelujah

Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah

Cindy Rollins

On The Literary Life Podcast this week, our hosts continue with part 2 of their series on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. After sharing their commonplace quotes, Angelina, Cindy and Thomas begin discussing how to properly read Dracula and other books written in this tradition. (Hint: It’s not the Freudian or psychoanalytical approach!) Angelina argues that Bram Stoker was trying, among other things, to reintroduce the traditional forms and metaphors into the modern era. Thomas shares the dark etymology of the name Dracula and how that relates to the image of Satan in this character. Cindy brings up Jonathan’s memory of Mina when he is in his darkest moments and the power of love against evil.

Now is the time to get your copy of Hallelujah: Cultivating Advent Traditions with Handel’s Messiah in time for celebrating Advent with your family. You can also get a recording of the Advent to Remember webinar at MorningTimeforMoms.com.

Thomas will be offering a webinar on Henry VIII and his times, which you can register for at HouseofHumaneLetters.com. Kelly Cumbee will also be teaching a course on The Chronicles of Narnia and medieval cosmology in February, and registration is now open.

Commonplace Quotes:

I never desire to converse with a man who has written more than he has read.

Samuel Johnson

For, indeed, a change was coming upon the world, the meaning and direction of which even still is hidden from us, a change from era to era. The paths trodden by the footsteps of ages were broken up; old things were passing away, and the faith and the life of ten centuries were dissolving like a dream. Chivalry was dying; the abbey and the castle were soon together to crumble into ruins; and all the forms desires, beliefs, convictions of the old world were passing away, never to return. A new continent had risen up beyond the western sea. The floor of heaven, inlaid with stars, had sunk back into an infinite abyss of immeasurable space; and the firm earth itself, unfixed from its foundations, was seen to be but a small atom in the awful vastness the universe. In the fabric of habit in which they had so laboriously built for themselves, mankind were to remain no longer.

And now it is all gone–like an unsubstantial pageant faded; and between us and the old English there lies a gulf of mystery which the prose of the historian will never adequately bridge. They cannot come to us, and our imagination can but feebly penetrate to them. Only among the aisles of the cathedral, only as we gaze upon their silent figures sleeping on their tombs, some faint conceptions float before us of what these men were when they were alive; and perhaps in the sound of church bells, that peculiar creation of mediæval age, which falls upon the ear like the echo of a vanished world.

James Anthony Froude

A man no more creates the forms of which he would reveal his thoughts, than he creates thoughts themselves. For what are the forms by means of which a man may reveal his thoughts? Are they not those of nature?…What springs there is the perception that this or that form is already an expression of this or that phase of thought or of feeling. For the world around him is an outward figuration of the condition of his mind; an inexhaustible storehouse of forms whence he may choose exponents…The meanings are in those forms already, else they could be no garment of unveiling.

George MacDonald A Selection from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner

by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea! And never a saint took pity on My soul in agony.

The many men, so beautiful! And they all dead did lie: And a thousand thousand slimy things Lived on; and so did I.

I looked upon the rotting sea, And drew my eyes away; I looked upon the rotting deck, And there the dead men lay.

I looked to heaven, and tried to pray; But or ever a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came, and made My heart as dry as dust.

Book List:

A Dish of Orts by George MacDonald

The History of England, from the Fall of Wolsey to the Death of Elizabeth by James Anthony Froude

The Weight of Glory by C. S. Lewis

Studies in Words by C. S. Lewis

Wilkie Collins

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